Heineken Investors Push for External CEO As Succession Debate Continues

Major shareholders of Heineken have urged the brewer to appoint an external candidate as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), according to a report by the Financial Times. The move comes as the company searches for a successor to Dolf van den Brink, who stepped down on May 31 after nearly six years in the role.

The report said the company’s board is divided over whether to promote an internal executive or recruit a leader from outside the organisation. Investors cited in the report argued that Heineken should move away from its practice of appointing internal candidates and consider an external hire to address business challenges.

Last month, the company said the succession process was progressing and expected to conclude soon.

The leadership transition comes as Heineken and other brewers face weaker demand in several markets. In February, the company announced plans to reduce up to 6,000 jobs globally and lowered its expectations for profit growth in 2026 amid softer market conditions.